An increasing number of people have been treated at Mackay Base Hospital after using synthetic cannabis. Mental Health operations director Mark Scanlon says as a result some patients have ended up on life support. http://ab.co/11N0zSq

If children are scared of the 'bogey man', what are their parents scared of? Drop the words 'age care' or 'home' and it will generally get their attention. But 87-year-old Norman Thornton and Woody Tryhorn, 68, are living proof that with age there are no barriers.http://ab.co/11kWkO5

This week tourists gave ABC Tropical North their opinion on what makes the Whitsundays such an iconic tourist attraction.http://ab.co/1uF39nO

Airlie Beach: Gateway to the Whitsunday Islandswww.abc.net.auThe Whitsunday Islands are a popular holiday destination, attracting backpackers from across the globe, tourists gave their opinion on what makes the region such an iconic tourist attraction.2014-11-20 22:29:29+0000

I like to swim at the beach during the winter months only, but with the hot weather last weekend, I saw a lot of people swimming at Eimeo beach. I was quite suprised given the time of year.

Given another warm weekend is expected, are you planning on swimming at the beach? Does it concern you to be swimming in the ocean this time of year?

I'd like to get your thoughts.....2014-11-20 19:02:34+0000

The Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre looks after many different turtles, including those suffering from floating syndrome. Find out more about the syndrome and what sort of impact it has on turtles. http://ab.co/1yrJ8Sk

Flip side to Whitsunday turtle lifewww.abc.net.auStaying afloat in the water is what humans generally try to do best; on the flip side though, if you're a turtle staying afloat isn't always ideal.2014-11-20 06:44:52+0000

Recently there's been concern about a lot of discussion about having busses in the main street of Airlie Beach.

This is only one of many issues confronting the Whitsunday Regional council.

Do you have another one that needs addressing?

The Mayor Jennifer Whitney will join Kim Kleidon to answer your questions after 9.00 this morning.

Lew Tuck and his wife Sue regularly travel from their home in Airlie Beach to the Himalayas. While providing relief to people with hearing problems, Lew says they find all sorts of things in people's ears. One of the most recent finds was a two-centimetre stick. http://ab.co/1ylZYSF

Hearing the need for help in Himalayaswww.abc.net.auWhile studying the philosophy of Buddhism in Nepal, Lew Tuck awoke to an idea - an idea that has since taken him and his wife Sue to new heights in the Himalayas, benefiting those with hearing problems.2014-11-19 04:03:38+0000

Share your personal story on a topic that's making the news with Open Drum.

Timeline PhotosThis week's Open Drum topic is: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. Are you a survivor or a witness? Tell us what happened and what was the lasting impact? What's the one thing you'd change to improve things? Share your personal story on a topic that's making the news: https://open.abc.net.au/explore?projectId=1082014-11-18 22:45:37+0000

After a very warm weekend the very hot conditions will continue again today.

What's the best way you've found to stay cool?2014-11-16 18:42:24+0000

The iconic watering holes of Mackaywww.abc.net.auWhen looking into the history of pubs and hotels in Mackay, there are a lot of stories to tell, one of which earned someone The Darwin Award says a Mackay Historical museum research officer Glen Hall.2014-11-14 04:00:14+0000

Shop owners in inner-city Mackay share their differing perspectives on the CBD revamp. Allyce Warren says she thinks a lot of businesses are currently struggling. http://ab.co/14gcutM

CBD revamp hurts local businesseswww.abc.net.auSince opening her shop in inner-city Mackay three months ago, Peyton's Place owner Allyce Warren says a lot of businesses are struggling, including her own which she expects won't be open for too much longer.2014-11-13 05:40:24+0000

After 9am this morning the Mayor of the Isaac Regiopnal council Anne Baker will be on air for mayoral talkback. Now's your chance to put a question to the Mayor or just make a comment. Leave your question here or phone 1300101222 and talk to Peter. We'll get your questions to the Mayor after 9am.2014-11-12 22:42:10+0000

You've probably seen the photos of the world leaders at the APEC summit dressed in traditional Chinese costumes.

I was thinking, if we took a photo of the G20 leaders in Brisbane, what 'traditional' Australian costume would you have them wearing?2014-11-12 18:57:05+0000

Students do their part for Mother Nature by hosting a Nude Food competition in Eungella.http://ab.co/11gupQ0

Recycling reaches new heights in Land of the Cloudswww.abc.net.auWhen it comes to recycling, some people may have their heads up in the clouds about where to start. But the same certainly can't be said for students living in the "Land of the Clouds" also known as Eungella.2014-11-12 05:34:17+0000

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In a 'Slice of History' today at 6.50, we look back at train travel in the region, including one incident when the Prime Minister of the day was left behind.

I've always enjoyed train travel especially travelling on the old Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs. We had the obligatory engine break down as was the case most of the time, however, it was a memorable trip.

Do you have memories of train travel where the trip may have been good, bad or indifferent?2014-11-11 18:45:16+0000

Imagine running 70 kilometres up and down hills in one day. Joshua Dyke won’t have to use his imagination later this month when he competes in a ultramarathon in New Zealand.http://ab.co/1uWbSEN

Joshua's uphill battle for Beyondbluewww.abc.net.auWhen the word 'holiday' springs to mind, a lot of people may picture themselves relaxing on a remote island while overindulging in exotic food.2014-11-11 04:43:09+0000

Do you like sharing your views on the news? Open Drum gives you the opportunity to share your personal experiences on topical issues.

Timeline PhotosDo you like sharing your views on the news? Our new partnership with @[163164813757533:274:ABC The Drum] launches today. Share your personal experiences on the week's news topics. This week's question is: How does being overweight or obese affect you or someone you care about? Tell us your story in 300-700 words and your story could be published on The Drum. Visit Open Drum for more details: http://ab.co/1xncdil2014-11-11 00:31:56+0000

A Proserpine gallery has been filled to the brim with artworks contributed by budding local artists and school students. http://ab.co/1twxd0S

Colourful character opens art gallery in Proserpinewww.abc.net.auLiving above a gallery in Proserpine, Jacinta Beatts often jokes that one day the entire building will be overrun by art and she will be left camping in a backyard tent.2014-11-10 05:15:30+0000

Over the weekend I decided to have some prawns. Personally I like to put them in the oven or on the BBQ and have them warm.

The other people I was with scoffed at me and said the only way to have them is cold.

What do you think? Which way is the better way to have them.2014-11-09 19:06:01+0000

Daydream Island Living Reef Manager John Gaskell is pleased to welcome their first set of baby clownfish after discovering eggs in their Nemoville Lagoon.

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Proserpine RSL sub-branch president and ex-serviceman Jason Raiteri says the closure of RSL clubs is an ongoing trend at present and he is sad to see the Proserpine Ex-Services Club close its doors for the final time Friday night.

Veterans clink glasses for the last timewww.abc.net.auFor more than 50 years the Proserpine Ex-Services Club has been a meeting point for veterans to share common stories, but Friday night will mark the end of an era when the club closes its doors for the last time.2014-11-07 05:24:29+0000

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is advising:

As at 12.30pm, a large grass fire is burning near Kunapipi Road, Bloomsbury (south of Proserpine). Multiple Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) crews have worked to contain the blaze, which broke out around 9.10am. There is no threat to homes at this time. Crews are currently backburning along Kunapipi Road and there is a smoke hazard across this road and the Bruce Highway. Motorists are urged to drive to conditions.

A large grass fire is burning near Kunapipi Road, Bloomsbury (south of Proserpine). Currently, rural fire personnel are working to contain the blaze, which broke out around 9.10am. There is no threat to homes at this time. A smoke hazard is expected to impact the Bruce Highway shortly and motorists are urged to drive to conditions. Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if they believe their property comes under threat. For more information on current bush fire incidents visit https://ruralfire.qld.gov.au/

An American zoo has pledged $90,000 to support koala research in Australia over the next three years. ://ab.co/1qqCDdX

US zoo backs St Bees Is koala researchwww.abc.net.auKoalas have everything going for them; they are cute, cuddly and widespread across the east of Australia says University of Queensland research fellow Dr Bill Ellis.2014-11-06 07:54:15+0000

Is there an issue in the Mackay area that you believe needs attending to? Does the council need a pat on the back for doing a good job?

The Mayor of the Mackay regional council will join Kim Kleidon to take your calls this morning after 9.00.

Do you have a question for her? Leave it here or call 1300 101 222.2014-11-05 19:23:57+0000

One in three women experience some sort of domestic violence in their lives says Mackay Zonta Club president Bridget Mather. Bridget says she hopes to raise awareness of the issue at hand in Mackay this weekend.http://ab.co/10TT0df

Domestic violence on Mackay's door stepwww.abc.net.auWithin the past year domestic violence has claimed the lives of 58 women in Australia and Zonta Club of Mackay President Bridget Mather says Mackay is no different from any other region in Australia in terms of what is happening on our door step.2014-11-05 05:59:42+0000